CONFUCIUS

His 17^th century Latin name is better known than the K’ung Fu-tzu/Master Kung original, becoming the designator of the tradition predominant in China until 20^th century and currently enjoying a resurgence. After years of extensive but relatively lowly government service, he took on instead a role as itinerant teacher, heeded for his wisdom wherever he went. He attracted disciples and it was they who gathered his teachings into the book known since as The Analects. Fundamentally he taught that striving to become fully humane persons can be achieved by serving others and society at large. This should be done in a spirit of genuine altruism, sourced and legitimated from Heaven – the Lord on high.

Life

• Entry on Confucius from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

• Entry on Confucius from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

• BBC radio programme 'In Our Time' on Confucius

Writings/teachings

• The Analects

• Works of Confucius in Project Gutenberg